What restaurant trends tell us about the economy and culture
Nov 7, 2023
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Exploring recent closures and controversies in the restaurant industry, rise of TikTok food critic Keith Lee and effects on restaurants, popularity of fancy burgers and fried chicken, significance of food trends and restaurant closures reflecting economic and cultural factors, analysis of restaurant trends and strategies.
The rise of TikTok food critic Keith Lee demonstrates the impact of relatable and accessible food criticism on people's dining choices.
The closure of renowned restaurants and the shift towards more accessible fine dining options reflect changing consumer preferences and the influence of economic conditions.
Deep dives
Keith Lee's Impact as a TikTok Food Critic
Keith Lee, a former MMA fighter turned TikTok food critic, has gained a huge following by reviewing restaurants and their takeout food in his car. His casual approach and unbiased reviews have struck a chord with viewers, leading to a significant influence on where people choose to eat. While some applauded his authentic perspective and critique of the Atlanta food scene, others criticized him for judging restaurants without being a part of the local community. Keith Lee's rise to fame highlights the power of accessible and relatable food criticism in shaping people's dining choices.
The Changing Landscape of Fine Dining
The closure of renowned restaurants like Momofuku Ko and Noma's transition to a direct-to-consumer brand indicate a shift in the world of fine dining. These changes can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the desire to make high-end cuisine more accessible and affordable, chefs' inclination to explore new concepts and formats, and the influence of economic conditions. Additionally, the rise of fast-casual chains, such as Sweetgreen, expanding their menus to cater to dinner options reflects the evolving preferences of consumers and the need for restaurants to adapt to changing dining habits.
The Influence of Economic Factors on Food Trends
Economic conditions play a significant role in shaping food trends and dining choices. Past recessions, like the one in 2008-2009, led to the rise of gastropubs offering affordable, comforting dishes. The recent popularity of restaurants incorporating pork belly into their menus can be traced back to surplus pork belly from the pork industry's marketing campaign for leaner cuts. As the economy fluctuates, trends swing between accessible, reasonably priced options and high-end experiences. Currently, affordability and reliability are key considerations, leading to the rise of fast-casual chains and the resurgence of comfort food on menus.
The restaurant industry has been making headlines lately. Fine dining heavyweights are shuttering: Noma announced it would be closing in 2024 and NYC staple Momofuku Ko closed this past weekend. Then, there's the unintentional chaos caused by a popular Tiktok food critic, whose visit to Atlanta was so profound that it drowned out the debut of the city's first ever Michelin Guide.
After seeing all of this, host Brittany Luse wants to know: What's up with restaurants these days? To answer that question, she sits down with writer and Eater correspondent Jaya Saxena to get the lowdown on the most recent food news and the trends that tell us about both our interests and our economy.